Did you know the Main Market Square in Krakow follows a regular medieval plan of roughly 200 x 200 meters and was created when the city was founded in 1257? It is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval market squares in Europe — a perfect place to feel history and local atmosphere in a single walk.
The Square is more than just an open space — it concentrates many monuments: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica with its trumpeted hejnał, the Town Hall Tower, the Adam Mickiewicz monument and the entrance to the Market Underground. You can see a lot of this even during a short, well-planned stroll.
- Start early, preferably before 9:00 — the Square is calmest then and you can better appreciate architectural details.
- Walk around the square: begin at the Cloth Hall, circle the Square along the townhouses and stop by the Adam Mickiewicz monument.
- Enter St. Mary’s Basilica (check opening hours) and listen to the hejnał at the top of the hour — a Krakow icon.
- If you have an extra hour: a short visit to the Market Underground gives a good sense of medieval city life (advance booking required at busy times).
- Start: walk from the Main Railway Station (about 20–30 minutes on foot through the Planty park) or take a short tram ride to the centre.
- 1. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): stroll through the ground floor stalls, then if time allows visit the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery on the upper floor.
- 2. St. Mary’s Basilica: admire the interior and the altarpiece by Veit Stoss. Note that entry to the church may be paid and quiet behaviour is required.
- 3. Market Underground: an interactive archaeological museum — book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
- 4. A short walk along the Royal Route toward Wawel or along Floriańska Street to the Barbican if you want to see part of the old city defence system.
- Morning: Wawel Hill (the Castle, the Cathedral) — a good place to start so you return to the Market when the light is especially beautiful.
- Late morning: Royal Route to the Main Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall and the Market Underground.
- Afternoon: stroll through the Planty or head to Kazimierz — there you can have lunch and enjoy a different, less touristy side of Krakow.
- Evening: return to the Square for dinner or coffee; at night the Market shows another face — more music, lights and café life.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the trading heart of the Square since the 13th century. On the ground floor you’ll find crafts and souvenirs; upstairs is the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery with works by Matejko and other masters. A walk through the Cloth Hall combines history with souvenir shopping.
St. Mary’s Basilica - a Gothic gem with the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss. The hejnał from the tower is played every hour. Entering the interior lets you see outstanding sculpture and beautiful stained glass.
Market Underground - a modern archaeological museum revealing the layers of the city from centuries past: medieval streets and everyday objects found on site. Interactive displays help make the history easy to understand.
Town Hall Tower - a remnant of the old town hall; climb for a view over the Square and the roofs nearby.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument - a popular meeting place and orientation point on the Square, often lively during fairs and festivals.
- Best times to visit: early morning (8:00–10:00) or late afternoon/evening — you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and summer heat.
- Tickets: some places (the Cloth Hall gallery, Market Underground, special exhibitions) limit entries — buy tickets online if you want to be sure to get in the same day.
- Driving and parking in the centre: it’s often expensive and inconvenient. Better to use parking near the station (Galeria Krakowska) and walk or take a tram.
- Clothing and shoes: the Square is cobbled — comfortable footwear will greatly improve your visit.
- Safety: pickpockets operate where tourists gather. Keep valuables close and be extra careful during large events.
- Don’t assume everything is free — church entry, museums and some exhibitions may charge. Check hours and prices before you go.
- Wierzynek - a historic restaurant on the Square, known for tradition and elegant interiors (great for special occasions).
- Szara - a popular restaurant on the Square offering modern cuisine in a central location, convenient after sightseeing.
- Cafe Camelot - a cozy café near the Square, recommended for a relaxed coffee or cake in an intimate setting.
- Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) - a bakery and café serving fresh bread and breakfasts; a good place to start the day before heading to the Square.
- For quick local snacks choose a zapiekanka stall on Plac Nowy or the market stalls by the Cloth Hall — a classic way to taste Krakow’s street food.
- The attic of the Cloth Hall is decorated with dozens of grotesque sculptures — their number and appearance often surprise visitors.
- The St. Mary’s hejnał is an intentionally truncated melody — it commemorates the legendary trumpeter who stopped mid-tune while warning the city of an attack. Today the tune is cut off every hour in memory of that story.
- The flower stalls and vendors are a living tradition on the Square; some have been operating in similar spots for decades.
- Beneath the Square are layers of the old city: walking through the Market Underground is like traveling through time — archaeologists have found fragments of former buildings and goods dating back centuries.
Q: How much time do I need for a relaxed visit to the Square? - A: If you only want to walk around the Square, enter the Basilica and view the Cloth Hall from outside, plan 1.5–2 hours. To see exhibitions, the Market Underground and have a relaxed meal — half a day.
Q: Is St. Mary’s Basilica open every day? - A: Hours vary depending on services and religious events; it’s best to check the current schedule before your visit.
Q: Can you climb the Basilica tower or the Town Hall Tower? - A: Many towers have seasonal access and occasional closures for renovations — check availability and tickets in advance if the view matters to you.
Q: Is the Square accessible for visitors with mobility limitations? - A: Parts are accessible (flat cobbles and pavements), but some historic sites have steps or no lifts. Contact specific attractions in advance to confirm accessibility.
- Comfortable shoes and layered clothing — Krakow weather can change during the day.
- A water bottle and an offline map or saved route — mobile internet can be overloaded in crowds.
- Cash and card — many stalls at the Cloth Hall accept only cash, but most restaurants take cards.
- A phone powerbank — useful for photos and navigation on a long day of sightseeing.
- Confusing the hejnał’s sudden stop with a ‘mistake’ — the tune intentionally breaks off to honour the legend; for the complete melody look for recordings or special events.
- Assuming the Cloth Hall is only souvenirs — the upper floor houses an important museum collection worth visiting if you like 19th-century Polish art.
- Trying to cram too many attractions into one day — it’s better to soak up the atmosphere than rush through a checklist.
- Do a quick check on a map: where the nearest restrooms, tourist information point and escape routes from crowds are located.
- If you want photos without people — get up very early (before 7:30) or come late in the evening.
- Watch for seasonal events and fairs — they may slow crossing the Square but also add colour and local flavour.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — it will help others plan a better visit to Krakow.
If you want to discover the Main Market Square and its surroundings with someone who can tell the stories, anecdotes and details you won’t find in guidebooks — I recommend using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact information and offers are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
